Hi Edwin

I have both Network+ & Security+ and am working towards Server+ for CNIP, I work in OT Engineering or in old money C&I.

I recommend CompTIA's Certmaster platform with combined labs and practice tests. There is learning for A+ on LinkedIn or Dr Messer on YouTube but Certmaster prepares you very well for certification which I think should be your aim so that you can then embark on CompTIA CE as part of CPD for maintaining CompTIA certification every 3 years where applicable. 

Here is the Link to the platform site.

Also from an industrial certification point of view ECS now certify a number of CompTIA qualifications when working in the Built Environment or High Hazard Industries  see this Link so that you can combine core competency with H&S awareness which is continually refreshed for access to construction and engineering construction sites 

From a CPD perspective in career manager A+ with its two components would probably equate to about 80 hours, for Network +, Security+ or Server+ they are 40 hours each because this includes about 25 hours of GLH - Guided Learning Hours & 15 hours of practice labs etc. making a total of 40 hour TQT - Total Qualification Time. 

Any queries drop a line back here and I'll answer any questions.

Forget it.  No one in the UK has heard of A+ or CompTIA.

You'd be better off doing a City & Guilds.

 Robin  City and Guilds Quals which are equivalent are wrapped up in Apprenticeship standards such as 9660 & 9790 see Link 

The only other option would be 4520 see here and that is like rocking house poo to get, plus ironically references CompTIA, is in the same boat as CompTIA i.e. nobody has heard of it and will cost at least twice the price of the online certmaster for compTIA and take longer.

Yep I know old MS courses like MTA would be ideal but they are dropping off now in favour of role based quals as MS moves to the Cloud so there isn't much choice. 

You never know the UKCSC might conjure up something but at Level 3/4 its probably too low for them. 

Guys,

Lee Grierson Robin Lee 

Thank you very much! This information has guided me successfully. Especially when it comes to the CPD aspect. I am now confident with my choice considering this discussion. Thank you 

 Edwin McArthur I will be getting involved with a cross industry group related to digital support which these quals will relate too. It's possible once CompTIA are the recognised route City and Guilds may release they knowledge based quals as an alternative. This happened in network infrastructure. The only advantage with city and guilds quals compared with CompTIA is they are ofqual approved so maybe able to be used under a revised apprenticeship levy scheme so effective being free to you if all works out. This still means the content provision is not as professional as CompTIA but the iET Academy may step in to support. So for now sticking with CompTIA is best but keep your ear to the ground for future options as you move through this learning space